Level 1

Introduction to Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Layer 1 Blockchains

Week 1: Introduction to Cryptocurrencies
– Overview of digital currencies and the role of blockchain
– History and evolution of Bitcoin and Ethereum
– Use cases and significance of cryptocurrencies in the digital economy

Week 2: Bitcoin Fundamentals
– How Bitcoin works as a decentralized digital currency
– Mining, transaction validation, and the role of miners
– Bitcoin wallets and keys: public, private, and hardware wallets

Week 3: Ethereum Basics
– Understanding Ethereum as a decentralized platform
– Ether (ETH) and gas fees
– Introduction to smart contracts and the Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM)

Week 4: Cryptocurrency Wallets and Security
– Types of cryptocurrency wallets: hot wallets, cold wallets, and paper wallets
– Best practices for securing and managing cryptocurrency holdings
– Protecting private keys and recovery mechanisms

Week 5: Differentiating Layer 1 Blockchains
– Comparison of Bitcoin, Ethereum, and other layer 1 blockchains
– Consensus mechanisms: Proof of Work, Proof of Stake, and variations
– The role of native tokens and cryptocurrencies on different blockchains

Week 6: Exploring Other Layer 1 Blockchains
– Overview of prominent layer 1 blockchains: Polkadot, Cardano, Solana, and others
– Unique features, use cases, and innovations of different layer 1 blockchain platforms

Week 7: Decentralized Finance (DeFi) Introduction
– Fundamentals of DeFi and its significance in the crypto ecosystem
– DeFi protocols, liquidity pools, yield farming, and decentralized exchanges
– Understanding DeFi tokens and their utility in the DeFi ecosystem

Week 8: Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs) and Digital Collectibles
– Introduction to NFTs and digital asset tokenization
– NFT marketplaces, digital art, collectibles, and use cases
– Creating, buying, and selling NFTs on Ethereum and other NFT platforms

Week 9: Challenges and Opportunities in Layer 1 Blockchains
– Scalability issues and solutions in blockchain networks
– Interoperability and cross-chain communication between layer 1 blockchains
– Governance structures and community involvement in various layer 1 networks

Week 10: Regulatory Landscape and Future Trends
– Regulatory considerations for cryptocurrencies and blockchain technology
– Emerging trends, technological advancements, and the future outlook for the crypto and blockchain space
– Ethical considerations and implications of blockchain technology in the broader digital economy

This curriculum aims to provide a comprehensive introduction to Bitcoin, Ethereum, and other layer 1 blockchains, covering their foundational concepts, technologies, use cases, and potential impact on the digital economy.